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Here I am again, my umpteen Brian Jonestown live show...I don’t even write about it anymore but here I’ll make an exception as I know that tonight shall, once and for all, silence the doubters, the naysayers and the ignoramuses who think that having seen one BJM gig is having seen them all.
The band was booked to be a part of The Truck Festival, so yes we are in Oxford, but not in a beautiful field as planned by the organisers.
Because of the floods, which have gravely affected this part of the country, and the incessant rain, the whole event has had to be rescheduled, however it was decided to make the most of some bands’ visit to the UK....we are now in The Brookes University Student’s Union building. |
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Despite the fact that tonight is the last show of the tour and the guys should be feeling tired and looking forward to reacquaint themselves with their own bed, everyone in the BJM camp is cheerful and upbeat. It doesn’t take me long to work out that something special is about to happen. I know that a couple of new songs have been heard during sound checks with, notably, one added to the usual set list in London the previous weekend.
The waiting is over and as the guys are gathered in the green room ready to hit the stage, a chirpy Colin Hegna declares: “Tonight is gonna be legendary!! “. As I wish the guys good luck, in walks the reason for everyone’s good mood and all becomes clear to me.
On the left hand side of the stage are placed two huge leather armchairs, fit for kings.
The band is on with Rob Campanella behind his organ, Dan Allaire adjusting his drum kit, Colin, Frankie Teardrop and Ricky Maymi strapping on bass and guitars. Joel Gion is forever centre stage brandishing his tambourine....finally Anton arrives looking humbled as he is followed by two members of the now defunct seminal outfit Ride, Mark Gardener and Andy Bell.
Both Mark and Andy take possession of the huge leather armchairs, fit for kings.
To the crowd’s delight the guys kick off with “Whoever You Are” , followed by a so far nameless new song. With more backing vocals from Joel, Colin, Frankie and Ricky than usual, it fits perfectly with what we have come to expect from The Brian Jonestown and I am looking forward to hearing it again and again.
Our two privileged spectators are tapping their feet and enjoying the performance with Mark’s beautiful smile lighting up the room.
Next up is “Nevertheless”, and despite the band playing faultlessly, Anton is scrutinising his bandmates with a reprimanding glance to Colin and a telling off to Frankie....a testimony to his perfectionism and the fact that tonight is extra special.
At one point during the song Anton leaves the stage, not in a fit of bad temper but simply to go out for a smoke. The BJM carries on jamming and it’s like a slice of heaven trickling through our ears.
The master is back, gets hold of his guitar and we are back on track with “Nailing Honey To The Bee”.
Anton addresses the public, thanking the Truck Festival organisers for having been able to put this show on with a few hours notice. He’s also proud to ‘soldier’ on, and clearly not even the worst case of flooding since 1937 would have prevented The BJM from performing.
Of course a few expletives are exchanged with the public, nothing unusual but the undeniable proof that Anton is feeling nervous and anxious to put on a good show.
In between numbers Anton consults with Mark and Andy and they now both get up, arm themselves with their guitars and join the usual line up to lift off with “Hide And Seek” accompanied by an extra round of cheers and clapping. It all goes into a sublime jam we wish would never end.
We simultaneously, public and musicians, find ourselves in a state of bliss.
The guys on stage are smiling and winking at each other and we are witnessing a beautiful moment of male bonding and genuine mutual admiration and respect.
And then here it comes, that extra special giant crunchy, juicy, shiny blood red cherry on top of the cake, with Mr Gardener in his rightful place, behind the mic, launching into one of Ride’s classic, “Drive Blind” with more guitars than you can shake a stick at, [Mark, Andy, Frankie and Ricky], that’s a lot of that beautiful noise coming our way and we are blown away.
However we are only treated to one Ride number and after Andy and Mark regain their seats The BJM continues with guarantied pleasers, “Who” and “That Girl Suicide”.
It all ends with “Swallowtail” when once more the band is joined by extra guitarists.
With nine people sharing the stage it does look busy and yet it’s as well co-ordinated as a ballet performance.
Tonight was devastatingly good and not just because of Mark Gardener and Andy Bell’s presence. The Brian Jonestown Massacre wanted to leave a lasting impression on their last date in England and they have managed much more than that. Their elaborate psychedelic compositions were delivered to perfection and it was impossible to escape the powerfulness of it all. They were on top of their game and it showed.
You were right Colin, tonight was the stuff legends are made of.
Words and Pictures: Florence ACHERY
www.brianjonestownmassacre.com
www.myspace.com/brianjonestownmassacre
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